RMH

Most people go home for Christmas, but not the Howell family. This year, they will be spending Christmas at their "home away from home," Ronald McDonald House Toronto (RMH Toronto). As the newest member of their family, nine-month-old Gideon, continues his treatment at The Hospital for Sick Children, his family will enjoy their holiday in the best possible way: together.

RMH Toronto works hard to make the season special for families like the Howells, with festive activities all month long.

From Burford, Ont., the Howell family – Chris, Jaclyn and Persephone, almost three - has called RMH Toronto “home” since Gideon was born on Feb. 25, 2014. Born with a very serious heart defect, and later developing a deadly cardiac infection, Gideon has already undergone seven surgeries in his short lifetime. At present, he is responding well to treatment and doctors hope to start gradually weaning him off of the medications and ventilator that have been keeping him alive.

Since he can’t leave the hospital, having a safe and affordable place to stay within blocks of the hospital has ensured Gideon’s family can be with him as much as possible. While Chris must spend every other week working outside of Toronto, Jaclyn and Persephone are full-time residents at the House. Each morning, they wake up, make breakfast in their apartment and head over to the hospital to spend time with Gideon. They return to the House for dinner, then go see Gideon once more before bedtime. Then they get up the next morning and do it all again.

“It’s draining,” says Jaclyn, “but living at the House has made this experience much more positive. It has all the amenities of home, as well as a sense of community and companionship. It feels like we’re living in our own space, and yet there are always people to listen, even if we’re returning from the hospital at 3 a.m. and it’s the volunteer at the front desk.”

Persephone, who loves reading stories to her little brother, has adjusted well to her new surroundings. She makes great use of the House’s many play spaces and activity programs, enjoying the playground in the summer and woodworking on Wednesdays. 

As December approaches, planning is underway for RMH Toronto’s holiday activities, and Persephone will no doubt take part. For her parents though, Christmas plans are not yet top of mind. Caring for a sick child means living one day at a time. But Chris and Jaclyn are grateful to know Christmas will come to RMH Toronto, with fun things like writing letters to Santa, building gingerbread houses, caroling and a visit from Santa on Christmas morning. Best of all, they’ll be spending it together as a family.